word painting

American  

noun

1. an effective verbal description.

2. tone painting.

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Other Word Forms

• word painter noun

Etymology

Origin of word painting

First recorded in 1865–70

Example Sentences

They assiduously avoid the “I” word, painting the committee’s work as garden-variety oversight.

From Washington Times • Sep. 18, 2019

In typical fashion, Handel uses word painting to reinforce the message, sending the vocal part through elaborate undulating runs on the word “changed.”

From New York Times • Dec. 17, 2015

Accredited institutions are invited, even encouraged, to borrow, say, a simple Christopher Wool word painting or a monumentally complex tapestry of woven metal bits by El Anatsui.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 9, 2015

Vivid word painting and a dramatic vocal line complemented the surrealist texts, sung with conviction by Ms. Shelton.

From New York Times • Jun. 3, 2010

Sometimes, in his contributions to The Richfield News, for which he writes, he gives us a bit of word painting that is scarcely less poetic than the creations of his canvas.

From Authors and Writers Associated with Morristown With a Chapter on Historic Morristown by Colles, Julia Keese